Tag Archives: Portobelo

4. Key West to Panama

Recap With Photos #3

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Interesting theme to mural on our restaurant on Nargana Island.
Interesting theme to mural on our restaurant on Nargana Island.
Arrived in Coco Bandero Cays (still in San Blas). I like it!
Arrived in Coco Bandero Cays (still in San Blas). I like it!

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Our immediate neighbor is fellow Odyssey boat "Tom Tom".
Our immediate neighbor is fellow Odyssey boat “Tom Tom”.

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Salty selfie.
Salty selfie.
Bill attacks coconut.
Bill attacks coconut.
Most boats anchor behind islands that shelter them from the wind as well as the waves.
Most boats anchor behind islands that shelter them from the wind as well as the waves.
But in this heat we want all the wind we can get, so we anchor just behind the reef. A little bumpy, but cooler and more private. Thing in the water is Tim snorkeling.
But in this heat we want all the wind we can get, so we anchor just behind the reef. A little bumpy, but cooler and more private. Thing in the water is Tim snorkeling.

Sorry no photos of reef fish or rays or sea turtles or sharks or even the 12′ crocodile that was seen by one boat!

At this point we left San Blas and started back toward “civilization” in Colon (near the mouth of the Panama Canal) via Portobelo. Portobelo is a very old town, where Spanish gold was brought across Panama from the Pacific side, and then shipped to Spain. Lots of old forts and cannons at Portobelo!

We anchored near the remains of one of the Portobelo forts.
We anchored near the remains of one of the Portobelo forts.
View across the harbor toward the town.
View across the harbor toward the town.
Exploring the town.
Exploring the town.
A major attraction is the 'Black Christ' in the church. I didn't realize there could be multiple Christs, but people come from afar to worship this one!
A major attraction is the ‘Black Christ’ in the church. I didn’t realize there could be multiple Christs, but people come from afar to worship this one!

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One of several signs for Captain Jack's, where we would go for dinner later.
One of several signs for Captain Jack’s, where we would go for dinner later.
Dancing is big in town. Unfortunately we are a week too early for Carnival, with local dancing happening all night.
Dancing is big in town. Unfortunately we are a week too early for Carnival, with local dancing happening all night.
This place seemed odd, even for Portobelo, which seems to be a mix of many cultures.
This place seemed odd, even for Portobelo, which seems to be a mix of many cultures.
Dinner with Odyssey-mates at Captain Jack's.
Dinner with Odyssey-mates at Captain Jack’s.
Bill heads the landing party to explore the fort.
Bill heads the landing party to explore the fort.

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Our neighbors.
Our neighbors.

Next stop will be Shelter Bay Marina in Colon. End of the Panama “cruise” and back to life at a dock with showers and a restaurant. And a very important canal. Stay tuned…